Pope Leo XIV Calls Lebanon a Model of Interfaith Hope

Beirut, 2 December 2025 — At a broadly inclusive ecumenical and inter-religious meeting in Martyrs’ Square, Pope Leo XIV gathered Christian, Muslim and Druze leaders along with civil-society representatives to call on Lebanon to stand as a living witness of dialogue, shared dignity and peace — embracing faith-inspired unity at a time of deep regional and national challenges. 

In his address, Pope Leo declared Lebanon a “blessed land” where church bells and calls to prayer rise side by side, urging that such harmonious coexistence become a constant hymn of solidarity rather than a momentary gesture. 

The Pope recalled previous Church teachings emphasising interfaith dialogue in the Middle East, and called on all people of goodwill to reject prejudice, discrimination and violence — instead affirming the equal dignity of every human being and fostering mutual respect across religious communities. 

He used Lebanon’s national symbols — its cedars and olive trees — as metaphors of endurance and healing: the cedar representing deep-rooted faith despite hardship, and the olive tree symbolising reconciliation, peace and compassion for those who suffer. 

Concluding his address, Pope Leo entrusted the nation’s future to the maternal intercession of Virgin Mary, praying that the gift of reconciliation and peaceful coexistence flows like “streams from Lebanon,” offering hope not only to Lebanon, but to divided societies worldwide.

Soure and Image Credits : Vatican News